See how your ancestry connects to Neanderthal history
Adjust the sliders to match your background. Get an estimate of your Neanderthal DNA contribution, compare it globally, and learn the science behind human evolutionary heritage.
Your ancestry profile
Move each slider to reflect your known ancestry. Totals must equal 100%. Use presets to explore typical profiles.
How your estimate compares globally
Typical Neanderthal DNA percentages vary by region. The table shows averages from published research. Your current estimate is highlighted.
| Population group | Average Neanderthal DNA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| East Asian | 2.3–2.6% | Highest average among modern humans |
| European | 1.8–2.4% | Varies by specific population |
| South Asian | 1.5–2.2% | Reflects complex migration history |
| Native American | 1.3–1.8% | Ancestors carried Neanderthal DNA from Asia |
| Middle Eastern | 1.5–2.1% | Region of initial interbreeding |
| Sub-Saharan African | 0.1–0.5% | Very low; mostly from back-migration |
| Oceanian | 1.5–2.0% | Plus additional Denisovan ancestry |
Sources: Green et al. 2010, Prüfer et al. 2014, Vernot & Akey 2015. Ranges reflect different studies and methods.
Neanderthal timeline
Key moments in the story of Neanderthals and their interaction with modern humans.
Understanding your Neanderthal ancestry
What the numbers actually measure
When a DNA test says you have 2% Neanderthal DNA, it means about 2% of the genetic markers they checked match Neanderthal reference sequences. This is not the same as saying 2% of your total genome is Neanderthal. Different tests look at different markers, so results vary. The estimate here uses population averages from research studies, not your personal genome.
Why East Asian populations often have more
This surprises many people. After the first interbreeding in the Middle East, some modern human groups moved east. They may have encountered additional Neanderthal populations in Asia. Later, natural selection and population bottlenecks shaped which segments survived. The exact reasons are still studied, but multiple interbreeding events are part of the answer.
Common mistakes when reading ancestry reports
One mistake is treating the percentage like a fixed identity label. Your Neanderthal percentage is a snapshot of statistical comparisons, not a clean fraction of your family tree. Another mistake is assuming more is better or worse. Neanderthal DNA is simply a record of ancient encounters. Some segments influence traits, but most do nothing noticeable.
What about Denisovans?
Denisovans were another ancient human group. They interbred with modern humans in Asia and Oceania. People with ancestry from Melanesia, Aboriginal Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia often carry Denisovan DNA. This explorer focuses on Neanderthals, but the full picture of ancient ancestry includes both.
Why this explorer exists
Consumer DNA tests often give a single Neanderthal percentage with little context. This project helps you see where that number comes from, how it compares to others, and what scientists actually know. It is built for curious people who want more than a number. Last updated April 2026.